Heathrow to Paddington Station

Just take the Elizabeth Line to Paddington Station. Or depending on where you are staying you could take the Piccadilly Line.

Or if you are in a hurry purchase a Heathrow Express ticket now and use the HEX. 15 minutes from the airport to Paddington Station.

Elizabeth Line is cheaper than HEX. https://www.heathrowexpress.com/the-route/heathrow-express-vs-the-elizabeth-line

You can secure a taxi at Paddington or take the tube to your accommodation.

We can walk to our hotel from Paddington.
How long is the tube ride?
Is it really worth the extra $ to take the express and have to pay in advance?

If going to Paddington, I like to take the Elizabeth Line, which takes about 10 minutes more than the HEx. I like the flexibility of just being able to turn up and not have to buy tickets in advance.

HEX is 15 minutes. Elizabeth Line 30 minutes. After flying LAX to Heathrow I don’t like to dawdle. My go to place to stay is 63 Bayswater. From Paddington it’s a 15 minute stroll. I prefer the HEX but that’s just me. I book 3 months in advance so cost is minimal.

As it happens you have missed the cheap £10 tickets on the Heathrow Express- when it is cheaper than the Elizabeth Line, but advance HEx tickets are still £18.50. The HEx has more comfortable seats than the Elizabeth line, and also has restrooms- something missing from the Elizabeth line.

The Elizabeth line is comfortable and much cheaper than the HEX. It is only about 15 minutes more.

If you think the extra 15 minutes away from toilet access may affect you, I suggest going before boarding the train for the 30 minute journey.